US 4,052,728 AGranted

Modular photographic system assembly

AssigneePolaroid Corporation

InventorsDonald H. Hendry, Bruce K. Johnson

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Abstract

A modular photographic system assembly that performs a series of operating functions attendent to the consecutive exposure and processing of a cassette of self-processable film units. The assembly is formed by attaching a group of system function-providing modules to a primary structural member that supports each of the modules in interfacing relationship while simultaneously defining the system exposure chamber. The module group includes a shutter module, gear train module, viewfinder module, and spreader module. Each module is attached to predetermined exterior portions of the primary structural member with snap together type fasteners. Once constructed, the assembly is an independently functioning unit that is adapted for enclosure in a protective chamber formed by mating a camera body and front cover member.

Claims29

Dependent claims

A modular inner camera assembly comprising:

a. a group of function providing modules each of which performs at least one of a series of photographic operations that attend the consecutive exposure and processing of a cassette of self-processable film units, said modules including:
1. a shutter module for providing a regulated exposure of a film unit,
2. a cassette loading door module including a pair of juxtaposed spreader rollers and a housing for processing an exposed film unit subsequent to its exposure, and
3. a gear train module for driving said juxtaposed rollers and for advancing an exposed film between them for processing;
and
b. a structural member to which said modules are attached to form said assembly, said member including means for forming an open ended exposure chamber having an inlet aperture for admitting actinic radiation into said chamber and means for receiving and locating a cassette in an exposed plane located adjacent said chamber's open end, said structural member and said modules each, respectively, having positioned thereon complementary configured means for positioning said modules in a predetermined orientation with respect to each other and said cassette exposure plane in order to assure that proper spatial relationships are established and maintained between said modules and a cassette located in said exposure plane so that the photographic operations provided by said modules are properly carried out.

3 more elements

An inner camera assembly for a self-developing camera operable for exposing and processing a film unit, having a pod of processing fluid adjacent a leading edge thereof, prior to final assembly of said camera assembly within a protective housing of the camera, said camera assembly comprising:

a cone-shaped opaque structure having internal wall surfaces serving to define the exposure chamber of the camera and additionally having first and second openings;
a shutter-objective lens assembly, said structure and said shutter-objective lens assembly including complementary means for attaching said shutter-objective lens assembly on said structure with said objective lens in registry with said first opening of said structure, said structure additionally including means for aligning a cassette containing the film unit in registry with said second opening of said structure with the film unit disposed along a focal plane of said objective lens;
a fluid spread roller mechanism including a pair of juxtaposed fluid spread rollers;
means for attaching said fluid spread roller mechanism to said structure with said fluid spread rollers disposed to receive the film unit therebetween causing the fluid within the film unit's pod to be spread across the film unit as the film unit is progressively advanced between said fluid spread rollers;
and
a film advancing mechanism structured to engage the film unit after its exposure and to advance its leading edge between said fluid spread rollers, said structure and said film advancing mechanism including complementary means for attaching said film advancing mechanism to said structure.

3 more elements

A modular photographic apparatus comprising:

a plurality of modules each of which is adapted to perform at least one of the series of photographic operations attendant to the consecutive exposure and processing of a cassette of self-processable film units;
and
a cone-like structural member to which said modules are attached to form said apparatus, said member comprising a plurality of interconnecting thin walled sections having interior portions which cooperate to define an open-ended enclosure that defines a major portion of an exposure chamber for said apparatus, means for forming a cassette mounting plane, adjacent said enclosure's open end, against which a cassette of film units may be placed so that they are in position for exposure, means for forming an aperture through which actinic radiation may enter said enclosure and impinge on a film unit positioned for exposure, and exterior portions that are configured to receive and automatically position each of said modules by supporting them with respect to said mounting plane and each other so that each module is properly aligned with a cassette when positioned against said mounting plane in order to assure that each of the photographic operations performed by said modules on a cassette of film units is properly carried out.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.